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      ‘Are you Chelsea in disguise?’ ask baffled fans as Champions League giants line up in almost identical shirt to Blues

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      FANS took a double take at their screens as Atletico Madrid lined up in an almost identical shirt to Chelsea in the Champions League.The LaLiga giants had travelled to the Signal Iduna Park to take on Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of the quarter-final.Fans likened Atletico Madrid’s shirt to the Chelsea kitCredit: EPAFormer Blue Alvaro Morata was on the pitchCredit: GettyThe kit has a similar vibe to Chelsea’s 2022/23 shirtCredit: AlamyAtletico won the first leg 2-1, but it was the choice of kit that got fans talking.Los Colchoneros usually wear their strikingly recognisable red and white shirts with blue shorts.The club wore their alternate strip which was predominantly blue but with a white block on the shirt.The club’s traditional badge had also been swapped out as a nod to its 120th anniversary.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe badge had been replaced with the crest that was used until 1917 in a circular shape.This kit choice had fans thinking they had worn a Chelsea kit on social media.One fan posted: “Atletico looks like Chelsea.”A second wrote: “Atletico, what kind of jersey is this, bro, are you Chelsea?”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERA third commented: “These Atlético kits look like Chelsea kits.”A fourth joked: “Are you Chelsea in disguise.”Jude Bellingham gives RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose his shirt after Real Madrid’s Champions League winA fifth said: “Atlético’s shirt looks like Chelsea’s.”Another added: “Why does Atlético Madrid look like Chelsea?”Fans could be forgiven for getting confused, as former Chelsea stars Alvaro Morata and Cesar Azpilicueta both lined up for Atletico on the night.Dortmund won the match on the night 4-2 and 5-4 on aggregate after a thrilling battle and sealed their spot in the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in 11 years. More

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      Jude Bellingham explains why Real Madrid move was ‘no brainer’ despite holding transfer talks with European giants

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM says it was a “no brainer” for him to join Real Madrid over Wednesday’s opponents Manchester City.The treble winners were one of a host of clubs chasing the signature of the England star when it was clear he was leaving Borussia Dortmund last spring.Jude Bellingham insists joining Real Madrid was the best decisionCredit: GettyBellingham was approached by a raft of elite clubs, including Manchester CityCredit: GettyHe admitted he spoke with several teams – but could not resist the lure of the Spanish giants when they came calling.City became aware in May that the former Birmingham midfielder had set his heart on a switch to the Bernabeu rather than the Premier League.The £88.5million signing said: “I had conversations with other teams but when Madrid came in it was a no-brainer really.“The size of the club, the project, the plan going forward, the chance to play with such amazing players.Read More on Football“I just jumped at it. That’s why I made my decision.”Now he hopes to show he made the right call by sending Pep Guardiola’s holders tumbling out of the Champions League at the Etihad.The quarter-final tie is finely poised at 3-3 after a thriller in Spain last week.He said: “I think everyone has spoken about them being favourites – they’re the treble winners and an amazing team.Most read in Football“I’m not a gambler – and I’ve never been to the bookies.“But that’s the impression from the outside. We are Real Madrid – we are pretty good and have some brilliant players.Vinicius Jr appears to ask Bellingham for Premier League star’s shirt as Real Madrid team-mates chat after England loss“Internally we are confident and we trust what we have in the dressing room.“These are the sort of games I joined for. I’m really excited and can’t wait to get out there and play.”Almost a year has passed and Bellingham says he has no regrets over his decision – hoping England will reap the benefits.He also hopes other young talents will follow his path and try their luck abroad.Bellingham said: “I was at Dortmund for three years and I took a path that is unfamiliar but I feel grateful every time I go into training.“It’s a good idea for young players to go abroad and hopefully I’m showing that.“You learn a lot and hopefully I take that with me into the national team.”Bellingham made an explosive start to life in Spain and while the goals have dried up he hopes there are still more to come.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I didn’t expect to score this many goals. People were asking me when I joined and I just wanted one – but I’m up to 20 now.“Hopefully I can get more before the end of the season.”Real Madrid star Bellingham will look to end Man City’s Treble hopes More

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      Spanish footballer goes viral after giving shirt to fan for 50 EUROS as star reveals regret over controversial moment

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      MALAGA midfielder Dani Lorenzo has gone viral after selling his shirt to a fan for 50 EUROS.The Spanish footballer was caught on camera interacting with the supporter on Sunday.Malaga midfielder Dani Lorenzo gave his shirt to a fan for 50 EurosCredit: X/elchiringuitotvThe Spanish footballer has admitted he regrets the viral momentCredit: X/elchiringuitotvHe had been taking photos with fans after Malaga’s win over Atletico Madrid B.Lorenzo had grabbed his third assist of the season by setting up the winner in his side’s 1-0 away victory.Then, while taking pictures with fans, Lorenzo was asked for his shirt by a supporter.He initially refused and explained that the club – who have suffered a dramatic fall from grace in Spanish football – charges 50 Euros for them.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnperturbed, the fan promptly whipped out a note as cameras caught Lorenzo handing over his shirt.Footage of their exchange has since gone viral on social media after being broadcast on popular Spanish TV show El Chiringuito.Reflecting on the incident, Lorenzo has been quoted by Sur explaining: “It happened so fast. Just so people understand, we’re in Primera RFEF, I’m not a millionaire, I wish I were.”We’re given a limited number of shirts to give away, and I had already distributed mine. After that, the club charges us for additional shirts.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I mentioned this to the man in the stands, and he offered me 50 euros. It caught me by surprise, and I reacted instinctively to accept it and exchange the shirt.”He also admitted he regrets taking the money from the fan, adding: “Now, upon reflection, I realise I shouldn’t have taken it.Bruno Guimaraes part of ‘best deal of transfer window’ as fans notice what Newcastle star swapped his shirt for”I did it with all the good faith in the world, and I hope people understand.”Former Champions League quarter-finalists Malaga are now in the third tier of Spanish football.The club’s relegation last season confirmed their place at that level for the first time since 1998.They could be promoted this term, though, with Sunday’s win leaving them in the play-off places with six matches remaining. More

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      LaLiga star fumbles ‘worst penalty the world has ever seen’ that’s ‘even worse than Diana Ross’ with last kick of game

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      LALIGA star Ante Budimir was left red faced after failing to score a last-second penalty for Osasuna last night.However, it was not simply the fact he missed, but rather the manner in which he had done it.Osasuna’s Ante Budimir fluffed his lines from 12 yardsAs he went to feint the kick he got his feet muddled upThis saw the ball chip up and go straight into the arms of the goalkeeperThe goal would have almost certainly sealed a point against ValenciaThe 32-year-old was previously three from three this season, with 16 goals in the leagueCredit: GettyThe Croatian stepped up to the spot kick in the 98th minute of last night’s match against Valencia.André Almeida’s strike for the visitors after 18 minutes had separated the sides, before Budimir was fouled in the penalty area by Hugo Guillamon, with the decision confirmed by VAR.Budimir, joint second with Jude Bellingham in the Spanish top flights goalscoring charts with 16 goals and only behind Artem Dovbyk’s 17, had previously scored three in three from 12 yards this season.However, as he stepped up to take the decisive kick at the El Sadar Stadium, he appeared to be caught in two minds.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBudimir looked set to strike the ball to his left before feinting, managing to send goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili down to the floor in that direction.But the 32-year-old seemed to get his feet all tangled up and only managed to produce a tame chip directly towards the hands of the goalkeeper as he regained his balance.Budimir, like the thousands watching in the stadium and at home, was in disbelief at the gaffe that was only the third penalty miss of his career – and first since 2015.And it ended up costing Osasuna a point as they lost the match 1-0.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERReacting to the miss, the commentator declared: “It’s the worst penalty you’ll see, certainly this season and maybe ever!”One fan wrote on social media: “Oh no. What’s he even trying?”Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson spotted arguing with Blues team-mate after 6-0 Everton thumping as penalty row rages onA second said: “That’s what you get for being too cute with it!”A third added: “As time expires as well, LMAO.”Another said: “Bloody hell. It’s even worse than Diana Ross,” in reference to the singer’s shocker as she shot miles wide of the target at the World Cup opening ceremony when the USA hosted in 1994.Though one fan added: “To be fair his was on target… eventually. The Ross kick went at 45 degrees!”Budimir has impressed for Osasuna this seasonOsasuna fans were also noted to be fairly forgiving for their Player of the Season, giving him some applause despite the miss. And it would later turn out that Budimir had a very reasonable excuse for the tame effort.Following the match, a Osasuna revealed that the Croat had been playing with three BROKEN RIBS.A club statement read: “The footballer Ante Budimir suffered a trauma in tonight’s match against Valencia CF for which, once the match was over, he was transferred to the University of Navarra Clinic.”The tests carried out have determined that the red striker suffers chest trauma with three rib fractures in the right hemithorax.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The player has been admitted to the University of Navarra Clinic for observation of progress and analgesic treatment until further evaluation in the next few hours.”The Premier League saw it’s own penalty excitement on Monday as Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke argued over the taker of a penalty eventually dispatched by Cole Palmer in a 6-0 drubbing of Everton by Chelsea. More

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      Barcelona ‘reject £60million transfer offer’ from Premier League club for former Leeds star Raphinha

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      BARCELONA have reportedly rejected a £60million bid for Raphinha from an unnamed Premier League club.The Brazilian, 27, joined the Catalan giants from Leeds in a £57m deal in the summer of 2022.An unnamed Prem club has allegedly had a bid rejected for Raphinha by BarcelonaCredit: RexThat was after he snubbed both Arsenal and Chelsea to secure his dream switch.However, the winger has struggled to be a regular starter since his arrival and has been linked with a departure numerous times.Tottenham were the latest team believed to be readying a swoop to try and bring Raphinha back to the Premier League, where he shone at Elland Road.Raphinha managed ten goals in his debut season to help Barcelona win LaLiga.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe has battled several injury problems this term, which has restricted him to eight goals in 33 matches.However, he has popped up twice at crucial times over recent weeks with the winner against Las Palmas and then two goals in the 3-2 first leg win at PSG in the Champions League.Now Spanish publication Sport says that has led to “big European clubs” keeping an eye on him once again.It then goes on to state that Barcelona have placed a £68.3m price tag on his head due to his recent good form.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBarca are “very happy” with his performances and it will be “difficult” for them to accept anything less than this.And that figure was allegedly decided after a proposal worth around £49m was made by a mystery Premier League side.Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson spotted arguing with Blues team-mate after 6-0 Everton thumping as penalty row rages onThey received the offer but club chiefs rejected it as they believe the star’s value is continuing to rise.However, Barcelona are waiting to receive offers for him and several others that could help ease some of their financial difficulties.And they have both Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal who are able to line up instead of Raphinha.SunSport also reported how Al-Hilal are chasing former Leeds star Raphinha.The Saudi Pro League side, who forked out over £300million on new signings last summer, are ready to splash out £86m on him. More

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      I’m targeting Euro 2024 glory with Real Madrid legend Luka Modric – but first I’m out to KO his Champions League dream

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      JOSKO GVARDIOL cannot wait to be part of Luka Modric’s curtain call with Croatia this summer.But first he plans to end his countryman’s hopes of bowing out with yet another Champions League title.Croatian stars Josko Gvardiol and Luka Modric will collide again in the Champions LeagueCredit: AlamyModric, 38, is expected to retire from international football after Euro 2024 in Germany.He also looks likely to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season with his former club Dinamo Zagreb among those looking to sign him.In 12 years at the Bernabeu, the former Tottenham man has won the top Uefa pot FIVE times. And he wants one more back in North London to round things off, with the final at Wembley on June 1.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGvardiol said: “I don’t need to waste my time talking about his qualities as we all know them.“But he’s an even better person — and a leader on the pitch. This will be his last Euros, the last season for the national team.“So as a leader and person, I’m really happy I had a chance to play with him and share a dressing room.“I need to enjoy the last moments with Luka. But it’s also fun to face national team-mates with your club.”Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOver the last week, Gvardiol, 22, has scored a couple of goals that Modric would have been proud of.The defender is settling in nicely at the Etihad after his £77million summer switch from RB Leipzig in Germany but now he wants silverware.Luka Modric’s former club put full-page advert in Spanish newspaper to convince Real Madrid star to leaveIf City are to defend the Champions League trophy they won in Istanbul last June, they will have to do it the hard way.They must see off 14-time European “kings” Real Madrid in tomorrow’s quarter-final second leg at the Etihad.The tie is finely poised at 3-3 with Arsenal or Bayern Munich awaiting the winners in the semis.Gvardiol had not joined City when they first tasted Champions League glory last term  — and he is eager to experience it.He said: “We are going to face Real Madrid, the kings of this competition but if you ask me,  there is no fear.“If you’re afraid of trying and doing something, it’s better to watch it on TV.“We want to win the cup. If you want to go through then you need to beat Real Madrid.“In the Champions League if we want to win it we have to face the best teams.”Gvardiol scored a stunner in Madrid last week then added another long-ranger to round off the scoring in Saturday’s 5-1 rout of Luton.City’s Mateo Kovacic — who also scored a cracker against the Hatters — is impressed by his international team-mate.The former Real Madrid midfielder said: “Josko is doing great scoring goals and he’s happy here which is the most important thing.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He’s loving Manchester life and enjoying his football. We know he is a great player, he just needs to keep going.“We both feel comfortable and we love being here.” More

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      Ex-Barcelona star’s pals ‘used curtains as sex swing at wild parties as he’s sued for vandalising luxury villa’

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      FORMER Barcelona star Arda Turan has been sued for “vandalising his luxury villa” after hosting lavish parties, according to reports.The owner of the house has accused Turan and his friends of “using curtains as sex swings” among a long lost of complaints.Arda Turan is being sued for the damage caused to his Barcelona villaCredit: GettyTuran played for Barca for two seasons in 2015-16 and 2016-17 after joining from rivals Atletico Madrid.Despite his brief stint in the Catalan capital before returning to Turkey, Spanish outlet Marca have said that the player “left his mark” on Barcelona.Turan’s former landlord is now seeking £196,000 in compensation for the alleged damage done to his £15million home by Turan.The case had already gone through the Provincial Court of Barcelona but has been restarted after there were “bureaucratic irregularities” in notifying the former player.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe villa is located in Esplugues de Llobregat, an area near Barca’s training facilities.The owner of the house insists Turan had “no care” for the villa he rented to him and has accused him of letting his friends party there when he was away.Those parties were allegedly raucous with the curtains used as sex swings, cigarette butts littering the floor and left on furniture and electronics damaged.The owner alleges that the television remote was thrown into the pool everytime a certain football team scored.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe owner alleges that Turan was initially an excellent tenant.He completed a deep clean of his apartment when he took over the tenancy and would often sing Barca chants.Football stars’ weird phobiasBut now the two are involved in a bitter legal battle.Turan retired from professional football in 2022.He went on to become manager of Istanbul side Eyupspor in 2023, and still manages the Turkish second division side. More

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      Mystery as Real Madrid name ineligible player in Champions League squad to face Man City

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      REAL MADRID manager Carlo Ancelotti has named Aurelien Tchouameni in his travelling squad to face Manchester City – despite the midfielder being suspended.Los Blancos will travel to England this week to face Pep Guardiola’s side in the Champions League quarter-final second leg.Aurelien Tchouameni has been named in Real Madrid’s travelling squadCredit: GettyHe received his third yellow card of the Champions League campaign last weekCredit: GettyNothing separates the two teams following last week’s thrilling 3-3 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu.But Ancelotti has a huge decision to make with Tchouameni unavailable to play.The Frenchman has jumped from midfield to defence in recent months due to Real Madrid’s injury issues.But now either Nacho Fernandez or Eder Militao will likely step into the position.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTchouameni was hit with the suspension last week after receiving his third yellow card of the Champions League campaign.He was not expected to travel to Manchester this week as a result.However, the 24-year-old has been named in Ancelotti’s 22-man squad for Wednesday’s fixture.Real Madrid were disqualified from the Copa del Rey back in 2015 for fielding an ineligible player.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTchouameni has been integral for Real Madrid this seasonDenis Cheryshev played and scored for the La Liga giants against Cadiz in the round-of-32 when he should have been serving a one-match suspension.Los Blancos launched two appeals over the incident but lost both, meaning they were kicked out of the competition.Haaland slapped by referee during Man City’s clash with Real MadridAncelotti will be desperate to avoid making a similar mistake this week.Speaking after his side’s 1-0 win over Mallorca at the weekend, the Italian claimed: “We are not going to win the game [vs Manchester City] through fitness, but through attitude. City are physically very strong.” More